Race/Ethnicity

When people are both persons of color and LGBTIQA+ identified or same-gender loving they may feel that only one part of their identity can be primary. Often, LGBTIQA+ identified or same gender loving people of color feel pulled by each of their cultures to primarily identify with one culture. Because LGBTIQA+ identity is often not visible to others, it is easy to deny or ignore that aspect of self. For many it is difficult to strike a balance that allows them to be empowered and liberated in all of their identities. Multiple oppressions affect their lives because:

• They may have increased difficulties as a result of the multiple marginalized identities.
• They may feel like one aspect of their identity conflicts with another part (or parts) of their identity
• They may feel misunderstood by each group as they consider both parts equally important.

The experience of each racial/ethnic group is different depending on cultural values and beliefs about LGBTIQA+ people.  Each person has a unique experience of having multiple identities.

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